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2 Commonwealth of Australia 2015 ISBN This publication is available for your use under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence, with the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the Treasury logo, photographs, images, signatures and where otherwise stated. The full licence terms are available from Use of Treasury material under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence requires you to attribute the work (but not in any way that suggests that the Treasury endorses you or your use of the work). Treasury material used as supplied. Provided you have not modified or transformed Treasury material in any way including, for example, by changing the Treasury text; calculating percentage changes; graphing or charting data; or deriving new statistics from published Treasury statistics then Treasury prefers the following attribution: Source: The Australian Government the Treasury. Derivative material If you have modified or transformed Treasury material, or derived new material from those of the Treasury in any way, then Treasury prefers the following attribution: Based on The Australian Government the Treasury data. Use of the Coat of Arms The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are set out on the It s an Honour website (see Other uses Enquiries regarding this licence and any other use of this document are welcome at: Manager Communications The Treasury Langton Crescent Parkes ACT Page 2

3 CONSULTATION PROCESS REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS Interested parties are invited to lodge written submissions on the issues raised in this paper. Submissions will be made available on the Treasury website unless you clearly indicate that you would like all or part of your submission to remain confidential. Automatically generated confidentiality statements in s do not suffice for this purpose. A request made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to a submission marked confidential will be determined in accordance with that Act. Submissions should include the name of your organisation (or your name if the submission is made as an individual) and contact details for the submission, including an address and contact telephone number where available. While submissions may be lodged electronically or by post, electronic lodgement is strongly preferred. For accessibility reasons, please responses in a Word or RTF format. An additional PDF version may also be submitted. Closing date for submissions: Friday 20 March Mail: Enquiries: Manager International Investment & Trade Unit Foreign Investment & Trade Policy Division Markets Group The Treasury Langton Crescent PARKES ACT 2600 Enquiries can be initially directed to Megan Thomas ( ) or Stewart Nixon ( ) Page iii

5 1. INTRODUCTION 1. The Government welcomes foreign investment because it plays an important and beneficial role in the Australian economy. Foreign investment provides additional capital for economic growth, creates employment opportunities, improves consumer choice and promotes healthy competition, while increasing Australia s competitiveness in global markets. Foreign investment can help deliver improved competitiveness and productivity by introducing new technology, providing much needed infrastructure, allowing access to global supply chains and markets, and enhancing Australia s skills base. 2. The Government, like previous governments, supports a case-by-case approach to the consideration of foreign investment proposals to ensure that they are not contrary to the national interest. This case-by-case approach, underpinned by Australia s Foreign Investment Policy and associated legislation, is designed to maximise investment inflows while serving to protect Australia s national interest. Additional information regarding Australia s foreign investment framework is provided in Section 2 of this options paper. 3. While this framework provides scope to review and if necessary, block or impose conditions upon certain foreign investment proposals, the Government recognises that there is still a high level of public interest and community concern regarding ownership of certain types of Australian assets and businesses. Foreign ownership of Australian agricultural land and agribusinesses in particular consistently attracts strong public interest, and ignites broader debate as to the benefits foreign investment in agriculture provides to Australia. Similarly, there has been growing community concern around foreign investment in residential real estate in recent years, particularly in the context of rising house prices in major cities. 4. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics Report on Foreign Investment in Residential Real Estate (House Economics Committee report) found that the current framework (which distinguishes between purchases of new and established dwellings) should be retained, but made a number of recommendations to improve data collection, compliance and enforcement activities. 5. In this regard, the Government is considering the following proposed reforms: increasing compliance and enforcement activities around foreign investment in residential real estate through the creation of a specialised investigative and enforcement area within the Australian Taxation Office; and amending the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) to provide for increased criminal penalties and new civil pecuniary penalties and infringement notices. Page 1

6 The Government is also considering the introduction of application fees for all foreign investment proposals in line with a user pays system. This means the cost of regulation will no longer fall on Australian taxpayers. These measures are outlined and discussed in more detail in Sections 3, 4 and The Government is also implementing its commitments to increase transparency and scrutiny around foreign investment in agriculture. As announced in the joint press release of the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Agriculture of 11 February 2015, from 1 March 2015, foreign investors must obtain prior approval for a proposed acquisition of an interest in rural land where the cumulative value of the rural land owned by the foreign investor, including the proposed purchase, is $15 million or more. 7. The Government will also establish a foreign ownership register that will start collecting information on existing foreign ownership and subsequent transactions of all interests in agricultural land from 1 July The Government will work with the states and territories so that the register will ultimately use land title transfer information from existing state and territory land title collection processes. This will remove duplicative registration processes for property owners. 8. The Government also intends to introduce a new $55 million screening threshold for foreign investment in Australian agribusinesses. The changes around foreign investment in agriculture are discussed in more detail in Section This options paper seeks feedback from interested stakeholders on the proposed changes to the foreign investment framework in relation to residential real estate and agriculture. It also seeks feedback on options to simplify the Act, consistent with the Government s commitment to deregulation. Page 2

7 2. AUSTRALIA S FOREIGN INVESTMENT REVIEW FRAMEWORK 10. Australia s foreign investment review framework consists of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act), its associated Regulations, and Australia s Foreign Investment Policy (the Policy). The framework allows the Government to review foreign investment proposals on a case-by-case basis to ensure that they are not contrary to Australia s national interest. 11. The Act allows the Treasurer to block foreign investment proposals found to be contrary to the national interest, or impose conditions on an investment to address national interest concerns. 12. The Policy provides guidance to foreign investors to assist their understanding of the review process. It also identifies a number of investment categories that need approval even if the Act does not apply. These non-legislative requirements in the Policy are administered in the same way as those in the Act. 13. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), a non-statutory advisory body, is responsible for examining proposals and advising on the national interest implications of investment proposals. Responsibility for making decisions rests with the Treasurer. 14. The national interest, and hence what would be contrary to it, is not defined in the Act. Instead, the Act confers upon the Treasurer the power to decide in each case whether a particular investment would be contrary to the national interest. The Policy outlines the factors that are typically considered when assessing foreign investment proposals in any sector. These include: national security; competition; other Government policies such as taxation; the impact on the economy and community; and the investor s character. 15. The Policy also outlines additional factors that are typically considered when assessing foreign investment proposals in agriculture. These include: the quality and availability of Australia s agricultural resources, including water; land access and use; agricultural production and productivity; Australia s capacity to remain a reliable supplier of agricultural production, both to the Australian community and our trading partners; biodiversity; and employment and prosperity in Australia s local and regional communities. 16. When examining foreign investment proposals, Treasury (which provides secretariat support for the FIRB) consults with Commonwealth, state and territory government departments, national security agencies and authorities with responsibilities relevant to the proposals. Advice and comments provided by such agencies are important in assessing the implications of proposals and in particular, in determining whether they raise any national interest issues. Page 3

8 17. The Act provides a 30-day statutory period for a decision to be made on proposals lodged under the Act, with up to a further 10 days after the day of the decision to advise the applicant of the decision. The Act also provides for the issue of an Interim Order, which extends the available examination period and prohibits the proposal for up to 90 days. Interim Orders are usually issued to allow the applicant additional time to provide adequate information for assessing the proposal. Proposals subject to the Policy but not the Act are decided (where possible) within a 30-day period. 18. The Act makes it an offence to acquire, or increase, a substantial shareholding or acquire certain interests in Australian real estate without seeking foreign investment approval. Consequently, where the investor intends to make an offer, tender or bid for shares or real estate, they need to ensure that the relevant agreements are conditional on foreign investment approval, or alternatively ensure they seek prior approval. The types of foreign investment proposals that generally need to be notified and require prior approval include: acquisitions of an interest of 15 per cent or more in an Australian business or corporation that is valued above $252 million (which is indexed annually); acquisitions of an interest in an offshore company whose Australian subsidiaries or gross assets are valued above $252 million (indexed annually); all direct investments, new businesses and acquisitions of interests in land by foreign government investors, regardless of the value of the investment; investments of 5 per cent or more in the media sector, regardless of value; acquisitions of developed commercial property valued above $55 million (indexed annually) or $5 million if heritage listed; and acquisitions of vacant commercial land. 19. A screening threshold of $1,094 million (also indexed annually) applies to investments by non-government foreign investors from Chile, Korea, Japan, the United States and New Zealand in non-prescribed sensitive sectors 1. This threshold will also be extended to China on entry into force of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. 2.1 FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE 20. All foreign persons also require prior approval to purchase residential real estate. The Government s policy is that foreign investment in residential real estate should increase Australia s housing stock. Consistent with this aim, different rules apply depending on whether the property is a new dwelling or whether it is an established dwelling. All foreign persons (temporary residents and non-residents) can apply to purchase vacant residential land for development and newly constructed dwellings in Australia. 1 The normal business threshold of $252 million applies in the prescribed sensitive sectors (media; telecommunications; transport; defence and military related industries; and the extraction of uranium or plutonium or the operation of nuclear facilities). Page 4

9 Non-resident foreign persons are generally prohibited from purchasing established dwellings in Australia. However, reflecting the fact that foreign persons who are temporary residents need a place to live during their time in Australia, temporary residents can apply to purchase one established dwelling to use as a residence while they live in Australia. The purchase of an established dwelling is conditional on the foreign person selling the property when they leave Australia. Temporary residents cannot acquire established dwellings for investment (rental) or holiday purposes. 21. Under the Act, it is a requirement that each proposed acquisition of real estate be individually notified and reviewed, unless specifically exempt. However, property developers (Australian or foreign) can apply for an advanced off the plan certificate to sell all new dwellings in a development of 100 or more dwellings to foreign persons, provided the development is marketed locally as well as overseas. Foreign persons purchasing dwellings in a certified development do not require separate approval. 2.2 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE 22. Currently, only divestment orders and criminal penalties apply for breaches of the Act. The Act provides powers to enforce the decisions made, including the ability to: order the divestment of shares, assets or property acquired without prior foreign investment approval, where the acquisition is considered contrary to the national interest (currently, any capital gain from the divestiture is kept by the foreign investor); prosecute a foreign person who failed to obtain prior approval for a purchase; prosecute a foreign person who failed to comply with an order to sell shares, assets or property; and prosecute a foreign person who failed to comply with conditions attached to an approval. 23. The maximum penalties that may be applied by the Courts to individuals on conviction for a breach of the Act (such as failing to obtain prior approval, or comply with a condition of approval) is a fine of 500 penalty units (currently $85,000), imprisonment of two years, or both. In the case of a corporation, a multiplier of five applies to the maximum fine for an individual. 24. Provisions of the Crimes Act 1914 and the Criminal Code Act 1995 also make it an offence to provide false or misleading information, for example in applications seeking foreign investment approval. 2.3 COST OF ADMINISTRATION 25. Currently, no fees or charges apply to foreign investment applications. The cost of administering the foreign investment review framework is funded through consolidated revenue. 26. Certain Government agencies also use taxpayer funded resources to provide advice and assistance to FIRB as part of the screening process. This is in addition to other regulatory processes such as those conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Page 5

11 3. PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE REFORMS 3.1 NEW COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT AREA IN THE AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE 28. The House Economics Committee report made a number of recommendations to improve data collection, compliance and enforcement activities around foreign investment in residential real estate. It recognised that while the Foreign Investment Review Board and Treasury were well placed to continue undertaking the upfront screening of residential real estate applications, its internal processes and lack of specialist investigative and enforcement staff have weakened the enforcement of the foreign investment rules. 29. The Government believes there would be benefits to creating a new specialist, dedicated compliance and enforcement area to support the functions of the Foreign Investment Review Board and Treasury Secretariat. Having considered a range of possible alternatives, the Government considers the Australian Taxation Office to be the best place to undertake this role, as it has staff with appropriate compliance and enforcement skills, sophisticated data-matching systems and experience in pursuing court action. This would involve the creation of a new unit within the Australian Taxation Office. The costs of administering this new function would be offset through the introduction of application fees on foreign investment proposals (see the section below on application fees). 30. The Australian Taxation Office (in consultation with Treasury and relevant agencies) would be tasked with using its sophisticated data matching systems to detect instances of potential non-compliance with the foreign investment rules, drawing on land titles data from the states and territories, its own taxpayer information, foreign investment approvals data and immigration movements data. Possible breaches would be followed up by compliance staff, with a range of penalties available to be applied as appropriate (see the section below on penalties). 31. The Government is also proposing to amend the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, the Taxation Administration Act 1953, an Instrument under the Migration Act 1958 and any other relevant legislation to ensure that data can easily be shared between agencies. The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 would also be amended to ensure that the Australian Taxation Office is able to issue statutory demands for information where it has reason to believe that a person has information about a matter that may breach the foreign investment rules. Consultation Questions: 1. The Government seeks feedback on the creation of a new compliance and enforcement area in the Australian Taxation Office, including: a. Is the creation of a new compliance and enforcement area required to address concerns with foreign investment framework compliance? Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? Page 7

12 2. Are there other legislative impediments preventing data sharing between relevant agencies? a. Should the Treasurer and the Australian Taxation Office have authority to obtain information, documents and evidence that relate to potential breaches of the foreign investment framework? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? b. Should the creation of a new compliance and enforcement area be funded by the Australian taxpayer or through the introduction of application fees on foreign investors? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? c. Do the proposed changes appropriately balance the need for additional scrutiny on certain foreign investment applications while continuing to streamline the process for approving investments in single developments? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? Page 8

13 4. PENALTY REGIME 32. Currently, only divestment orders and criminal penalties apply for breaches of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act Criminal penalties are difficult to pursue due to the high burden of proof required. There are also loopholes within this structure that allow foreign investors who illegally purchase property to profit from breaking the rules. 33. The House Economics Committee report recommended that the Government introduce a civil penalty regime for breaches of the foreign investment framework as it applies to residential real estate, with the following features: pecuniary penalty orders imposed under this penalty regime to be calculated as a percentage of the property value to act as an effective deterrent; and the regime to apply to foreign investors and any third party who knowingly assists a foreign investor to breach the framework. 34. The House Economics Committee also recommended that where a foreign owner divests an illegally purchased established property, any capital gain from the sale of that property be retained by the Government. 35. The Government is considering introducing civil pecuniary penalties and infringement notices to provide extra enforcement tools and to make it easier to pursue punishment. Divestment orders (including the ability to direct who the property can be sold to) would still be available, but in addition the Government would have the option to pursue either criminal penalties or civil penalties through the courts. Tougher penalties together with increased compliance and enforcement activities should help deter non-compliance. 36. The Government considers that foreign investors that breach the rules should not be allowed to profit from selling an illegally acquired property. Therefore, the civil pecuniary penalties should be set at a significant level. Infringement notices could apply to breaches that are more administrative in nature and could be tiered depending on whether the foreign investor voluntarily comes forward or is detected through compliance activities. Maximum criminal penalties should be adjusted accordingly. 37. The penalty regime being considered for breaches of the rules around residential real estate is set out in the table below. The indicative new penalties would supplement the existing criminal penalties (currently, 500 penalty units ($85,000), imprisonment of two years or both). Breach of current rule Foreign person acquires new property without approval (approval would normally have been granted) Temporary resident acquires established property without approval (approval would normally have been granted) Proposed penalties There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty or infringement notice regime under the Act for these breaches. Tier 1 Infringement notice Voluntary complied by coming forward Individual 12 penalty units ($2,040) plus the relevant application fee. Company 60 penalty units ($10,200) plus the relevant application fee. Tier 2 Infringement notice Identified through compliance activities Individual 60 penalty units ($10,200) plus the relevant application fee. Company 300 penalty units ($51,000) plus the relevant application fee. Page 9

14 Civil Penalty Maximum civil penalty is the greater of the following: 10 per cent of purchase price in addition to the relevant application fee; or 10 per cent of market value of the property in addition to the relevant application fee. Either an infringement notice or civil penalty would be sought but not both. Non-resident acquires established property or temporary resident acquires more than one established property (not normally approved) Temporary resident fails to sell established property when it ceases to be their principal residence (breach of conditional approval) Temporary resident rents out an established property (breach of conditional approval) Failure to begin construction within 24 months without seeking extension (breach of conditional approval of vacant land/ redevelopment applications) Developer fails to market apartments in Australia (breach of advanced-off-the-plan certificate) There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty under the Act for these breaches. Civil Penalty Maximum civil penalty is the greater of the following: the capital gain made on divestment of the property; 25 per cent of purchase price; or 25 per cent of market value of the property. There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty or criminal penalty under the Act for this breach. Civil Individual 250 penalty units ($42,500). Criminal 500 penalty units ($85,000), imprisonment of two years or both. Corporations subject to multiplier of five for each penalty. Property developer fails to comply with reporting conditions associated with approval (breach of advanced-off-the-plan certificate) Foreign person fails to comply with reporting condition which requires them to notify of actual purchase and sale of established properties (a new rule) There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty or infringement notice regime under the Act for these breaches. Tier 1 Infringement notice Voluntary complied by coming forward Individual 12 penalty units ($2,040) Company 60 penalty units ($10,200) Tier 2 Infringement notice Identified through compliance activities Individual 60 penalty units ($10,200). Company 300 penalty units ($51,000). Civil penalty Maximum civil penalty: Individual 250 penalty units ($42,500). Corporations subject to a multiplier of five. Page 10

15 Third party assists foreign investor to breach rules There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty under the Act for this breach. Civil penalty Specific offence to be included in the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act Pursue court action to impose a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty would be: 250 penalty units ($42,500) for individuals. Corporations subject to multiplier of five. Criminal Penalty Knowingly assisting another person to commit a criminal offence is an offence under Section 11.2 of the Criminal Code (maximum penalty is 500 penalty units ($85,000), imprisonment of 2 years, or both). Consultation Questions: 3. The Government seeks feedback on the proposed changes to the civil penalty regime, including: a. Would a civil penalty regime be an effective addition to the rules to ensure compliance and assist with enforcement? b. Are the proposed penalty amounts appropriate and likely to serve as a deterrent? c. Is the proposal to extend accessorial liability an effective way to increase compliance? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? d. Is it necessary to increase the existing criminal penalties in light of the proposed new civil penalties? 4.1 EXTENDING CIVIL PENALTIES AND INFRINGEMENT NOTICES TO BUSINESS APPLICATIONS 38. The Government is considering extending civil pecuniary penalties and infringement notices to business, commercial real estate and agricultural investment applications. While there is limited evidence to suggest non-compliance in these areas, civil pecuniary penalties and infringement notices will supplement the current criminal penalties and provide additional enforcement options should the need arise. 39. Civil pecuniary penalties could apply where a foreign person acquires a business or acquires rural land without approval. As with residential real estate the infringement notice regime could be tiered and could apply to more minor breaches, for example where a foreign investor voluntarily comes forward. 40. The penalty regime being considered for breaches of the rules around business, commercial real estate and agricultural investments are set out in the table below. The indicative new penalties would supplement the existing criminal penalties (currently, 500 penalty units ($85,000), imprisonment of two years or both) with corporations subject to a multiplier of five. Page 11

16 Breach of New Rule Foreign person makes an acquisition without approval (approval would normally have been granted) Foreign person fails to comply with a condition of approval Foreign person fails to comply with an order under the Act Proposed penalties There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty or infringement notice regime under the Act for these breaches. Tier 1 Infringement notice Voluntary complied by coming forward Individual 12 penalty units ($2,040) plus the relevant application fee. Company 60 penalty units ($10,200) plus the relevant application fee. Tier 2 Infringement notice Identified through compliance activities Individual 60 penalty units ($10,200) plus the relevant application fee. Company 300 penalty units ($51,000) plus the relevant application fee. Civil Penalty Pursue court action to impose a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty would be: 250 penalty units ($42,500) for individuals. Corporations subject to a multiplier of five. Either an infringement notice or civil penalty will be sought but not both. There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty under the Act for this breach. Civil Penalty Pursue court action to impose a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty would be: 250 penalty units ($42,500) for individuals. Corporations subject to a multiplier of five. Third party assists foreign investor to breach rules There is currently no civil pecuniary penalty under the Act for this breach. Civil penalty Specific offence to be included in the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act Pursue court action to impose a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty would be: 250 penalty units ($42,500) for individuals. Corporations subject to multiplier of five. Criminal Penalty Knowingly assisting another person to commit a criminal offence is an offence under Section 11.2 of the Criminal Code (maximum penalty is 500 penalty units ($85,000), imprisonment of 2 years, or both). Consultation Questions: 4. Should the new penalty regime be extended to business, commercial real estate and agricultural applications? Page 12

17 5. INTRODUCING FEES ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT APPLICATIONS 41. Currently, no fees apply to foreign investment applications. The House Economics Committee report recommended that the Government apply a administrative fee to the current screening for all foreign purchases of residential real estate, including purchases by temporary residents, to fund compliance and enforcement activities. 42. While noting the broad benefits to the community that arise from foreign investment, the Government considers that the cost of administering the foreign investment framework should not be borne by the Australian taxpayer. The Government is considering charging a fee on all foreign investment applications to fund screening, compliance and enforcement activities and improved data collection around foreign investment. 43. It is proposed that fees up to the level outlined in the table below will be charged on foreign investment applications, with final levels of fees to be set following consultation. In the event an application falls into a number of categories, it is proposed that the highest fee apply. For residential real estate proposals and rural land acquisitions, a fee of up to $5,000 would apply to properties valued under $1 million. Applications to purchase a property equal to or greater than $1 million would be subject to a fee of up to $10,000. This would then increase in increments of up to $10,000 for each additional $1 million in property value. Property developers seeking an advanced off-the-plan certificate would be levied an application fee based on the number of dwellings sold to foreign investors. Business, commercial real estate and agribusiness investments would be subject to application fees between $10,000 up to $100,000 depending on the size and sector. 44. To simplify collection of the fees, foreign investors would be required to pay the application fee before their foreign investment application is processed. The 30 day statutory time period for the Foreign Investment Review Board to assess an application would begin after the payment has been received. 45. There are currently situations where some applicants may be required to submit multiple applications. For example, bidders at auctions need prior foreign investment approval because bids normally have to be unconditional. Some applicants will therefore submit a number of approvals at the same time so they can bid at several auctions during a weekend. The Government will consider options to minimise the impact on these applicants. 46. Similarly, in some circumstances, business proposals are currently withdrawn and re-submitted in order to extend the statutory deadline, particularly if there are concerns about the issuing of an Interim Order, the details of which would be published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The Government will consider options to ensure that these applicants are not required to pay multiple application fees for the same proposal. Page 13

18 Possible fee schedule for foreign investment applications Sector Type of investment Proposed fee of up to: Residential Residential real estate properties less than $1 million Residential real estate properties equal to or greater than $1 million Residential real estate properties equal to or greater than $2 million Residential real estate properties equal to or greater than $3 million Residential real estate properties equal to or greater than $4 million Residential real estate properties equal to or greater than $5 million Advanced off-the-plan certificates $5,000 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 Business Commercial real estate $25,000 Business acquisitions in non-sensitive sectors $25,000 New business proposals $10,000 $50,000; then $10,000 incremental fee increase per additional $1 million in property value Fee based on rates above and number of units sold to foreign purchasers Any other interest in urban land (except residential real estate) $10,000 Business acquisitions in sensitive sectors 2 $25,000 Business acquisitions where the value of the target s assets are greater than $1 billion. $100,000 Agriculture Rural land less than $1 million $5,000 Rural land equal to or greater than $1 million Investments in agribusinesses $10,000 incremental fee per $1 million in rural land value $25,000 or $100,000 for agribusiness acquisitions where the value of the target s assets are greater than $1 billion. 47. It is difficult to make comparisons with other countries because of the wide range of policies that are used to regulate foreign investment. However, Australia would not be the only country that imposes a fee or charge on foreign investors. 2 The prescribed sensitive sectors are: media; telecommunications; transport; defence and military related industries; and the extraction of uranium or plutonium or the operation of nuclear facilities. Page 14

19 Screening arrangements in other countries Country Screening mechanism Application fee United States The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews foreign investment transactions that threaten to impair US national security. No Canada Industry Canada reviews inward foreign investment based on whether the investment will be of net benefit to Canada. No In addition, since 2009 all foreign investment into Canada, regardless of value, has been subject to a national security review. New Zealand Japan The Overseas Investment Office assesses applications from overseas persons who want to invest in sensitive New Zealand assets. Japan operates a post-establishment notification process for certain foreign investment in sectors. Pre-establishment notification is required in sectors related to public order, public safety and national security. Land applications for overseas investments in sensitive land (includes farm land): $12,573 to $22,489 Significant business assets: $11,142 to $13,187 Investments in fishing quota: $36,800 No Hong Kong Singapore Hong Kong has no specific prior approval requirement for the acquisition of residential real estate by foreign persons. However, it introduced several measures in 2012 to curb speculation in the property market and discourage interest from overseas buyers. In Singapore, foreign persons require prior approval to acquire restricted residential property. Additional buyer s stamp duty on foreigners: 15 per cent of purchase price or market value (whichever is higher). Special stamp duty on properties sold within four years: 4 to 16 per cent of purchase price, depending on when sold. Additional buyers stamp duty on non-permanent residents: 15 per cent of purchase price or market value (whichever is higher). Special stamp duty on properties sold within three years: 10 to 20 per cent of purchase price, depending on when sold. Page 15

20 Consultation Questions: 5. The Government seeks feedback on the introduction of fees on foreign investment applications, including: a. Should the Government charge application fees on foreign investors to fund screening, compliance and enforcement activities? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? Should there be any exceptions to paying the application fee? b. Is the level of the fees appropriate? i. Will the fees act as a barrier to foreign investment? ii. What might be the cumulative impact on business reinvestment? c. What options should be considered to ensure applicants that submit multiple applications (for example, bidders at auctions or business applicants that withdraw and resubmit) are not charged excessive fees? Page 16

21 6. ADVANCED OFF-THE-PLAN CERTIFICATES 48. Currently, property developers can apply for an advanced off-the-plan certificate to sell new apartments in a development of 100 or more to foreign investors (the investor does not then need to obtain separate approval). These certificates are granted on the condition that the apartments are marketed in Australia, as well as overseas, to ensure that domestic buyers have the same opportunity to purchase the apartments. However, there are currently no penalties for breaching this condition. 49. The House Economics Committee report recommended a tightening of the rules around advanced off-the-plan certificates to ensure developers comply with their obligations to market properties to domestic buyers, including the introduction of penalties to deter non-compliance. 50. Recognising these concerns, the Government is proposing to strengthen enforcement options by subjecting developers to civil and criminal penalties under the Act in line with other offences (see the section above on penalties). 51. In addition, the Government is proposing to tighten the rules around the use of advanced off-the-plan certificates by limiting the value of all apartments that can be bought by a single foreign investor to $3 million in any single development. If foreign investors want to purchase apartments above this value, they would have to seek individual approval. This would reduce the scope for any criminal behaviour (such as money laundering) by ensuring that high wealth investors are subject to the upfront screening process. Consultation Questions: 6. The Government seeks feedback on the proposed changes to advanced off-the-plan certificates, including: a. Should penalties be introduced for developers that fail to comply with obligations to market domestically? i. If so, what should developers be required to do to prove they have marketed domestically? What level of penalty would be appropriate for developers that fail to comply with obligations to market domestically? Are there alternative approaches that should be considered Page 17

22 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF AGRICULTURE COMMITMENTS 52. Under the current foreign investment screening framework, proposed investments by private investors in rural land and agribusinesses are subject to the same thresholds that apply to other foreign acquisitions of Australian companies or business assets. That is, $252 million (at 1 January 2015, indexed) for proposed investments from non-free trade agreement countries and the higher threshold of $1,094 million (at 1 January 2015, indexed) for countries where Australia has given preferential treatment through free trade agreements (United States, New Zealand, Korea, Chile and Japan). The Korea and Japan agreements (and the China agreement when it enters into force) preserve the Government s ability to apply the lower screening thresholds for agribusiness and rural land. All proposed direct investments by foreign government investors and investments in rural land must be reviewed regardless of value (see Attachment B). 53. The Government is increasing scrutiny and transparency around foreign investment in agriculture. From 1 March 2015, foreign investors must obtain prior approval for a proposed acquisition of an interest in rural land where the cumulative value of the rural land owned by the foreign investor, including the proposed purchase, is $15 million or more. Consistent with free trade agreement commitments, this will apply to all non-government investors except those from the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Thailand (see Attachment B). All proposed direct investments by foreign government investors, including in agriculture, will continued to be reviewed regardless of value. 54. The Government will also establish a foreign ownership register that will start collecting information on existing foreign ownership and subsequent transactions of all interests in agricultural land from 1 July The Government will work with the states and territories so that the register will ultimately use land title transfer information from existing state and territory land title collection processes. This will remove duplicative registration processes for property owners. 7.1 AGRIBUSINESS INVESTMENTS 55. The Government has also indicated that it will introduce a new $55 million screening threshold (based on the value of the investment) for investments in agribusinesses. All proposed direct investments by foreign government investors, including in agriculture, will continued to be reviewed regardless of value. 56. The term agribusiness is currently not used within Australia s foreign investment framework as the system generally treats all non-sensitive sectors the same. Introducing a lower $55 million threshold will require a new definition be developed. The Government is proposing to define agribusiness with reference to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) codes. More information on the subdivisions and groups can be found on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website in the document Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (Revision 2.0). 3 3 See Page 18

23 Consultation Questions: 7. Should the definition capture all primary production businesses as well as certain first stage downstream businesses beyond the farm gate (for example, meat processing, sugar milling and grain wholesaling / storage / milling)? 8. If it is decided that the ANZSIC codes be used, which divisions (or sub-divisions, groups) of the ANZSIC codes should be included in the definition for agribusiness? 9. Is there an alternative approach that should be considered to define agribusiness? 7.2 DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND 57. The new $15 million cumulative threshold for agricultural land will initially be implemented through Australia s Foreign Investment Policy. As the term agricultural land is not currently used with the foreign investment framework, the Policy will rely on the existing definition of rural land. Currently, the Act categorises Australian land as being either urban land or rural land. Urban land is defined simply as land that is not Australian rural land, with all land in Australia therefore captured by one of these definitions. Rural land is defined as land used wholly and exclusively for carrying on a business of primary production However, by defining agricultural land with reference to exclusive ongoing use as a primary production business, this definition does not capture land used for multiple purposes or land that is suitable but not currently used for agriculture. For example, land that was previously used as a primary production business (including disused farmland), or is used for an additional purpose (such as a bed & breakfast on a farm or a restaurant at a winery) is not currently captured by the definition of rural land. 59. To avoid pursuing interim measures such as defining or referring to agricultural land under the Policy, the existing definition of rural land will be maintained until legislation recognising agricultural land is in place. Replacing rural land with an alternative definition of agricultural land requires legislative amendments to be made to the Act. 60. The Government is considering introducing a definition of agricultural land that more closely reflects a common understanding of the nature of the land in the context of making legislative changes. Such a definition would need to recognise agricultural land use, both past and present, while also being closely aligned and linked to an agreed definition of agribusiness. 4 The definition of a primary production business is taken from the Income Tax Assessment Act It refers to production resulting from the cultivation of land; animal husbandry/farming; horticulture; fishing; forestry; viticulture or dairy farming. Primary production for the purpose of the rural land definition does not include hobby farms, rural residential blocks or land used for stock agistment or mining. Page 19

24 a. For example, one possible definition of agricultural land that stakeholders may wish to comment on is land that during the past five years has been used for carrying on a business of primary production. That is: land used primarily for the purposes of carrying on, or otherwise supplying, an Australian agribusiness 5 ; land likely to be used primarily for the purposes of carrying on, or otherwise supplying, an Australian agribusiness 6 ; or land which was, in the five years prior its purchase, used primarily for the purposes of carrying on, or otherwise supplying, an Australian agribusiness It is intended that the legislative definition of agricultural land would apply for both the lower screening threshold and the foreign ownership register to the extent possible. Consultation Questions: 10. The Government seeks feedback on the proposed definition for agricultural land : a. Is the proposed definition of agricultural land consistent with common understanding of the term? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? b. Would the proposed definition provide sufficient clarity as to what constitutes agricultural land for the purposes of Australia s foreign investment framework? 7.3 DEFINITION OF URBAN LAND 62. As a consequence of possible changes to the definition of agricultural land, the Government is also considering the need for associated changes to the definition of urban land (as noted above, the current definition of urban land is defined in relation to rural land, with changes to one definition necessarily impacting the other). 63. Similar to the situation for rural land described above, the definition of urban land diverges significantly from a common understanding of the nature of the land. Urban land goes well beyond land used for urban property (that is, residential real estate) to capture many instances of agricultural land (as noted above) and all other land that would not be ordinarily considered urban or rural (such as mining land and other land in rural areas not used for primary production). 64. In addition to the anticipated effect of implementing the Government s agriculture commitments on the definition of urban land, the proposed residential real estate reforms considered in this paper will also impact the appropriateness of the current definition of urban land. 5 As defined under the Act. 6 As defined under the Act. 7 As defined under the Act. Page 20

25 65. In particular, the possible introduction of different penalties and fees for existing and new dwellings, on developers and other third parties and other distinct categories of residential real estate and associated stakeholders would require urban land to be split into multiple separate categories. That is, the possible reforms to residential real estate compliance and enforcement would require the introduction of a new concept of residential land or similar, with appropriate subcategories within this new categorisation. 66. To this end, the Government is considering introducing a new definition of residential land based on a common understanding of the nature of the land. For example, one possible definition of residential land could be: land (that is not agricultural land) used, or to be used, for the purposes of one or more residential dwellings. 67. The definition of residential land would be further explained and clarified in Australia s Foreign Investment Policy, as published on the website. Consultation Questions: 11. The Government seeks feedback on the proposed definition of urban or residential land, including: a. Is the proposed definition of residential land consistent with a common understanding of the term? i. Are there alternative approaches that should be considered? b. Would the proposed definition provide sufficient clarity as to what constitutes residential land and related subcategories (such as new and existing dwellings) for the purposes of Australia s foreign investment framework? 7.4 OTHER LAND 68. In conjunction with considering moving to more commonly understood definitions of agricultural land and residential land, the Government is more broadly considering moving to a revised legislative framework that defines agricultural land, residential land and other land as separate distinct categories. This would reflect a move away from defining rural and urban land with reference to each other, while considering the need to maintain screening of all land regardless of use. 69. Depending on the ultimate definitions of agricultural land and residential land, the scope of other land is likely to include mining tenements, rural land used for non-agricultural purposes, land used for commercial property or business and vacant land not proposed for residential use. Currently most of this land (other than that captured by the existing definition of rural land ) is subject to foreign investment screening from dollar zero. Page 21

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